b'SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTUREBringing Less Water and Stable Yields TogetherDR. ARNDT ZACHARIASSorghum Varieties Development, KWSThe Future Only Works TogetherClimate change and the resulting weathertoughening political regulations. For thesecial farming technology have to be made to BIOSTIMULANT extremes pose enormous challenges, in par- reasons, KWS sees great potential in thegrow sorghum. Within short crop rotations, ticular for agricultureafter all, plants areniche crop sorghum and is now also offeringsorghum demonstrates how its a perfect Biostimulants Boosting Climate Resilience in Industry especially hard hit: In addition to havinga broad portfolio of varieties for locationsbarrier plant. to deal with spreading diseases and pests,in Europe. In Europe so far, farmers have mainly HOLLY LITTLEDirector, Research and DevelopmentAcadian Plant Health they also have to cope with increasing waterWhen subjected to drought stress, sor- grown the grain as fodder; in the United scarcity on the one hand and heavy rainfallghum reacts only very late with yield losses,States, its used to produce ethanol. But due on the other. These challenges have shiftedfor example. Although individual plants doto changing dietary habits, sorghum is also the focus in Europe to crop plants not orig- demonstrate wilting and reduced stomatalincreasingly gaining ground as an impor-inally native to our regionsplants thatconductance, they can, unlike other croptant foodstuff. are robust and adaptable and can deliverplants, regenerate after rainfall and thenKWS recognized the potential of stable yields even under stress conditions.continue to grow. In addition, sorghumsorghum for Europe at an early stage and Sorghum bicolor is one example of such adevelops a fine, dense root system thatlaunched a sorghum breeding program for crop plant.can penetrate more than 180 centimetersenergy production in 2007. Modern breed-In terms of cultivated land, sorghumdeep into soil, thereby helping to improveing methods enabled KWS to quickly is the fifth most-grown cereal in the world.nutrient and water absorption. This meansdevelop varieties well adapted to locations This type of millet is particularly wide- that once sorghum has survived the criti- in Europe. KWS then began to breed grain spread in the Sahara region. In contrast,cal phases of sprouting and shortly beforesorghum in 2014 and has been concentrat-hardly anyone in Europe is familiar withflowering, it requires little water and it caning on the breeding goals of yield, disease sorghum; and in many other parts of thestore water exceptionally well. Sorghumsresistance, and drought and heat tolerance. world, the cereal is still a long way fromdeep root system and solid biomass alsoA central focus of the companys broadly realizing its enormous potential. Andcontribute to improved soil health.diversified portfolio is on reducing the use sorghum does have potential: The cerealThe plant has very modest demandsof pesticides, fertilizers and other agri-is particularly efficient at using water andnot only during sowing and vegetation, butcultural resources, such as water, on fields nutrients and requires little in the way ofalso harvesting, and it succeeds just as easilywhile at the same time securing and boost-pesticidesespecially valuable propertiesas conventional crops already established ining urgently needed yields. in times of climate change and in the face ofEurope. No additional investments in spe-CORN, SORGHUM AND OILSEEDSChickpeas: Resilient Legume That is Sowing SuccessCONTENT MARKETING FRANCK PILONI Market Manager, Pulses & SoybeansBusiness Line Self PollinatedLidea3 Critical Content Creation Ideas to Engage Your Audience Agriculture plays a vital role in our societyatmospheric nitrogen, enhancing fertilityfertilizers, which can harm soils and water by providing a staple food source. Farmersfor subsequent crops. This practice reducesbodies. Furthermore, chickpeas require EWA JZEFOWICZ AMADORBusiness Director EMEASeed World Group are constantly seeking crops that not onlythe reliance on costly chemical fertilizers,less water than some other crops, making fulfil the nutritional needs of the populationbenefiting both the economy and the envi- them a sustainable choice in regions prone but also offer economic and environmentalronment.to drought. advantages. Chickpeas, an ancient legume,Nutritional value: Chickpeas are a richExport opportunities: By producing chick-are gaining popularity among farmerssource of protein, fibre, vitamins, and essen- peas, farmers also have the opportunity to worldwide for several compelling reasons.tial minerals. Not only do they meet theexport their products to international mar-In this article we will explore why chick- growing demand for plant-based proteinskets. This export can create new business pea production can be advantageous for ain human diets, but they can also be used asopportunities and increase farmers income. farmer.livestock feed. This versatility allows farm- In conclusion, chickpea production Stable yields: Chickpeas are known forers to diversify their income sources.offers numerous advantages for farmers. their ability to tolerate challenging grow- Growing market: Global demand forFrom stable yields to nutritional bene-ing conditions, including nutrient-poorchickpeas is surging due to the increasingfits, crop rotation, and export potential, soils and limited precipitation. This resil- popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets,chickpeas contribute significantly to the ience ensures more consistent yields, evenalong with their recognized nutritionaleconomic and environmental sustainabil-in the face of meteorological variations.benefits. This expanding market providesity of agriculture. Farmers who choose to Chickpeas resistance to common diseasesfarmers with opportunities to secure com- cultivate this versatile legume can reap the in other crops also makes them an attractivepetitive prices for their harvest.rewards of a crop that meets the growing choice.Environmental sustainability: Chickpeademands of our society while fostering sus-Crop rotation: Chickpeas can be suc- cultivation is environmentally friendly.tainable farming practices.cessfully integrated into crop rotations.Their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil As legumes, they enrich the soil by fixingreduces the need for synthetic nitrogen EUROPEAN-SEED.COMISEED WORLD EUROPE I 29'